Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate

Kia Soul

EPA MPG: 27 mpg

RECALL ALERT:
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2019 Soul is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

The 2019 Kia Soul has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2019 Kia Soul owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

What Owners Say

Engine rebuild or replacement

"The engine thru a rod through the block at 51000 miles due to an oil delivery/ starvation issue, necessitating a complete engine replacement."

Anonymous A., PA (2019 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

""The engine block failed. The dealer replaced it due to a bulletin issued. Unfortunately the replacement engine melted down the catalytic converter. Kia wanted $5800 for a new system; I got it done at an aftermarket shop but that cat melted down as well within 1 month, and the aftermarket shop said they cant honor a cat warranty due to meltdown. So now I have no choice but to drive without a cat because Kia wont fix it.""

Anonymous, MI (2019 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Kia replaced engine under factory recall but had to provide maintenance record"

Anonymous A., NM (2019 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Calipers

"Needed to be fully replaced in rear."

Anonymous A., PA (2019 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Other brakes problem

"Brake line replacement under warranty letter for possible replacement"

Anonymous A., NY (2019 Kia Soul Plus 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Rotors

"Rear rotors rusted badly after vehicle was stored outdoor near the ocean the prior winter"

Anonymous, MN (2019 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Other paint & trim problem

"My car was stolen Battleground Kia damaged my paint by taping plastic over window. They didnt repair their damage"

Anonymous A., NC (2019 Kia Soul Base 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Catalytic converter

""The catalytic converter melted down due to the reconditioned engine they replaced on a bulletin. Kia wanted $5800 for an OEM replacement. I got it done at an independent shop. The cat melted that one down, so Im told theres something not right with the reconditioned engine they gave me but Kia wont deal with it.""

Anonymous, MI (2019 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

What Owners Say

Starter

"Car has pushbutton start. Motor failed without warning about 5 months ago - car would not start. Replacement starter failed again about 4 months later. Currently on 3rd starter motor."

Anonymous, CA (2019 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Oil leaks

"Gasket was leaking replaced under warranty"

Anonymous A., NY (2019 Kia Soul Plus 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

2019 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
* Redesign year
00
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10*
11
12
13
14*
15
16
17
18
19
20*
21
22
23
24
25
Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Oct 26, 2023
Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Kia America, Inc. (KIA) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles. The parking mechanism may be damaged, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the gear shift lever is in the Park 'P' position and the parking brake is not applied while the vehicle is powered on.
What should you do:
Dealers will update the electronic control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC287. This recall expands and replaces recall number 20V-389. Vehicles previously repaired under 20V-389 will need to have the new remedy completed.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V724000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 6262
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 29, 2023
A battery electrical short-circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Summary:
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles equipped with an E400 battery. The high-voltage battery pack may experience an electrical short-circuit while driving.
What should you do:
Dealers will update and/or replace the battery management system and software, as necessary, free of charge. The new software will illuminate the EV warning light, limit charging capacity, and reduce vehicle power if abnormal voltage is detected. If this occurs, the battery will be replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 18, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC267.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V218000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 2689
AIR BAGS
Jan 25, 2022
Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Summary:
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air bags that will not deploy in a crash.
What should you do:
Dealers will inspect the ACU, and either update the software or replace the unit, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 21, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC226.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 22V031000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 410619
Check Vehicle for Unrepaired Recalls
Enter a valid 17-character VIN
Enter a valid 17-character VIN
Change Vehicle